Basics:

This interactive, experiential museum explores the Civil Rights Movement and the role of the 1954 Supreme Court decision that brought desegregation to public schools across America. The museum is located inside the Monroe School, once one of four all-black elementary schools in Topeka.

Grade level: All grade levels, K-8 grades have specific program available

Best time to visit: Year round

Indoors, outdoors, or both? Indoors

Clothing type recommended: comfortable walking shoes

How to book field trip: Please contact the Education Department and talk to Nick Murray. You can also complete the Field Trip Registration Form on the museum website. (You should receive a confirmation letter that shows the correct time, date, and location of your program.)

Curriculum & Standards:

What are the standards applied and/or learning outcomes? All programs relate the Kansas history standards.

Are there curriculum materials or guides at the site? Yes, there are some materials available online.

Grade-specific field trip programs available? Yes

4th - 8th grades:

Students will participate in a grade-appropriate, interactive walk through our museum galleries. Lessons on the history of segregation and modern discrimination will be completed through written reflection, group activities, and open ended discussions.

Special programs for these grades:

Race and the American Creed (movie) 30 min

Additional ranger-led program 45-60 min

1950s Kindergarten room program 30 min

Rediscover Freedom’s Pathway

All day (minimum 5 hours) experience to the Kansas State Capitol, the Historic Ritchie House and Brown V Board of Education NHS to connect over 100 years of history involving the struggle for freedom.

K - 3rd grades:

Students will discuss segregation and learn about the NPS by watching the film Fair is Fair, reflecting on personal heroes, and learning about the power of play in our 1950s Kindergarten room.

Logistics & Budget:

Assistance programs: Transportation field trip grants may be available to school districts within 75 miles. Application required.

How long will the tour take from start to finish? About 1.5 hours; arriving late may cause your program to be shortened or canceled.

Pre- or Post-classroom visits available upon request? Yes, pre and post classroom visits are available upon request to have a Ranger at your school.

Maximum number of students the venue can accommodate for a tour? 90 students per visit.

Minimum number of participants needed for a tour? No minimum

Number of adults per student needed? 1 adult for every 10 students, chaperones are required to maintain control of their group at all times. If you have a larger group, it may be necessary to divide into two or three small groups.

Can they eat lunch inside/on site and/or bring their own lunches? No food, drinks, or gum are allowed in the site. There is a picnic area at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site called Cushinberry Park. It’s located east of the parking lot.

Where do the buses need to park? Is this also where the kids get dropped off? Drop kids off at the entrance, and then park in the parking lot across the street from the school.